Trial begins over UK soldier's murder in London

LONDON (AP) — Two men accused of killing a British soldier in an apparent Islamic terrorist attack on a London street appeared in court on Monday as their trial began.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, were shot by police and placed under armed guard in a hospital after the May 22 attack on Lee Rigby, an off-duty soldier who was run over by a car, then stabbed repeatedly while walking back to his military barracks in southeast London.

The two men appeared at London's Old Bailey Court on Monday, as about three dozen activists protested against Islamic violence outside the building.

Adebolajo — who has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court — wore a black button-down shirt. Adebowale — who has asked to be known as Ismail Ibn Abdullah — wore a cream-colored sweater.

The two have denied killing Rigby and the other charges of attempting to murder a police officer and conspiracy to murder a police officer on or before May 22.